Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel 1'-[2-(difluoromethoxy)benzyl]-2'H,5'H-spiro[8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3,4'-imidazolidine]-2',5'-diones and their derivatives.

A series of novel 1′-[2-(difluoromethoxy)benzyl]-2′H,5′H-spiro[8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3,4′-imidazolidine]-2′,5′-dione substituted hydantoins (5–32) were synthesized using an appropriate synthetic route and characterized by elemental analysis and spectral data. The novel molecules were screened for anticonvulsant activity in mice by maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (ScPTZ)-induced seizure tests. The neurotoxicity was assessed using the rotarod method. Compounds 9, 10, 18, 30, and 31 exhibited anticonvulsant potency against MES seizure and in the ScPTZ model, with lesser neurotoxicity. Some title compounds showed lesser central nervous system depression compared to phenytoin.